The shopping capital of NYC, SoHo is for those whose bank balance impresses as much as their personal style. Stretching from Houston to Canal, the iconic cast-iron streets are a smorgasbord of high-end boutiques, global brands and the occasional locals’ spot. But not every store deserves that SoHo footfall. The area is an archetype of gentrification, which means a glut of global retailers who’ve slowly pushed out the one-offs. But nestled among the banner brands are some gems that justify the trip downtown. To help you navigate one of busiest neighbourhoods in the city, we’ve compiled a rundown of the best stores, eateries, drinking establishments and more, all worthy of a New York minute (and maybe a little longer than that).
Where to Shop
Billy Reid
The Alabama native’s New York outpost offers few East Coast nods. Decked out like a Lost Cause hunting lodge, Billy Reid is a mecca for timeless menswear pieces. The stock leans classic – the Italian-made Bond peacoat ($695) and moss stitch cardigan ($179), complete with elbow patches, are staples whether your style leans prep or Southern dandy. But there’s also on-trend grabs, like the athleisure-inspired boiled wool track pants ($149.50), which are more Empire State than good ol’ boy. 54 Bond St, (212) 598-9355; billyreid.com
A.P.C.
If simplicity is what A.P.C. does best, then its Bond Street spot (the brand’s fourth in New York) is firmly on-brand. Whereas the flagship offers close to the entire range, here the collection is more curated, with staples like the Meca camouflage sweatshirt ($220) housed in timber-and-glass cabinets that give the space the feel of a high-end, Scandinavian gym locker. Long-standing fans should decamp straight downstairs to the A.P.C. denim lounge, for a hands-on with anything from the Parisian label’s ubiquitous New Standard Raw Denim ($185) to the collection of pre-worn Butler jeans. For when you don’t feel like breaking them in yourself. 49 Bond St, (212) 966-0049; usonline.apc.fr
Carhartt WIP
Carhartt is about as iconic as American workwear comes, and its SoHo store is a suitably Spartan nod to the locale’s metalworking history. With exposed brick and an aesthetic as industrial as the brand’s original wares, the space houses a pared-down selection of hardwearing staples, complete with a street and skate edge. The staff might look intimidatingly cool, but like true New Yorkers, they’re happy to give solid recommendations like the Phoenix coat ($196.80) or tramp backpack ($168). 119 Crosby St, (212) 219-2934; carhartt-wip.com
Odin
Upscale classics with an offbeat twist are the remit at this hipster paradise. But veering from its stock’s minimalist bent, the likes of Common Projects sneakers ($412) and Acne sweaters ($320) are housed amid packing trunks and a menagerie of carved animals. Rooting through is rewarding, though: amid the whimsy, picks from brands such as Canada Goose, Rag & Bone and Maison Kitsuné cover everything from swimwear to fragrances. All of which trumps an I Heart NY shirt in the souvenir stakes. 199 Lafayette St, (212) 966-0026; odinnewyork.com
Opening Ceremony
A classic NYC townhouse, transformed into one of the biggest, boldest and best menswear shops in the city – if not the world. For apparel and accessories with oversized personality, like a graphic Kenzo tee ($170) or Calvin Klein mesh cargo shorts ($595), this three-storey funhouse is a must-visit. 35 Howard St, (212) 219-2688; openingceremony.us
3×1
Part boutique, part factory, 3×1 is the only place in the city where you can buy a pair of jeans and watch them being made. A glass-walled factory sits in the middle of this airy, masculine shop in which pre-patterned (starting at $350) or bespoke (starting at $525) high-end selvedge denim jeans are cut, sewn and finished by some of the best artisans in the business. 15 Mercer St, (212) 391-6969; 3×1.us
Where to Drink
Pegu Club
An NYC cocktail club that somehow manages to avoid pretension and deliver some of the best drinks in the city. Make ours a gin and tea-infused Earl Grey MarTEAni ($14). 77 W Houston St, (212) 473-7348; peguclub.com
Where to Rest
NOMO SOHO
For the city that never sleeps, you need a boutique hotel where something is always going on – especially on nights and weekends. Rooms start at $180. 9 Crosby St, (646) 218-6400; nomosoho.com
Where to Caffeinate
La Colombe SOHO
Some of the best drip coffee and baked goods in the city. If you can’t get a seat – and in this tiny café, you won’t – sip your paper cup on a stroll to nearby Washington Square park and check out the outdoor chess tables where Stanley Kubrick once played. 270 Lafayette St, (212) 625-1717; lacolombe.com
Where to Eat
Burger & Barrel
Classic American burgers, fries and drinks done right at this always busy, but not overly trendy pub. 25 W Houston St, (212) 334-7320; burgerandbarrel.com
Where To Get Cultured
Chinatown
Come hungry and alert for amazing dim sum, bustling narrow streets and vibrant history in the largest enclave of Chinese emigrés in the Western Hemisphere. explorechinatown.com
